Lower Brule Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2011

Contact: Mark E. Salter
Assistant United States Attorney
605-357-2360

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jerilyn R. Grassrope, age 39, of Lower Brule, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on September 27, 2011, and pled guilty to an Information that charged her with Assaulting a Federal Officer. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years' imprisonment.

The charge stems from an incident on July 3, 2011. BIA Officer Carrick and another tribal officer responded to a call at the 8-plex in Lower Brule regarding two females who were drinking near the 8-plex, which is a dry facility. Upon arriving at the apartment, the officers made contact with two adult females – one identified as Grassrope, an adult male, and several children. There were beer cans and whiskey bottles scattered throughout the apartment.

Upon discovering that Grassrope was on tribal conditions of supervised release, BIA Officer Carrick advised Grassrope that she was under arrest for child endangerment and violation of a court order. Grassrope resisted while BIA Officer Carrick attempted to place her in hand cuffs, repeatedly pulling away from BIA Officer Carrick who received a minor cut to her hand in the process.

BIA Officer Carrick attempted to assist Grassrope to the patrol car. Grassrope was still resisting and attempted to escape several times. Grassrope began kicking, striking BIA Officer Carrick 2-3 times. Grassrope kicked BIA Officer Carrick several more times while trying to escape from the vehicle. BIA Officer Carrick received kicks to her legs, arms, ribs, shoulder, and along her gun belt.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for December 19, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.